Appeals: Sharp Decline in Canadian Work Permits

Sharp Decline in Canadian Work Permits: How Appeals Can Help Navigate New Immigration Challenges

The Canadian immigration landscape has undergone dramatic changes in 2025, with new policies resulting in unprecedented drops in work permit approvals. These developments have left many foreign workers and their employers facing difficult situations, making professional immigration assistance more crucial than ever.

Understanding the Current Immigration Crisis

Canada has experienced a staggering 50% decline in work permit approvals during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The numbers tell a stark story: while 245,137 work permits were issued between January and June 2024, only 119,234 permits were approved during the same period in 2025. This represents a decrease of 125,903 fewer temporary worker permits issued.

The decline has been particularly pronounced in recent months. March 2024 saw 63,618 work permits issued, but by March 2025, this number plummeted to just 18,540. The situation worsened further with February 2025 recording the lowest numbers at 14,396 permits, followed by concerning drops in May (14,243 permits) and June (11,287 permits) of 2025.

New Federal Policies Driving the Decline

Cap on Low-Wage Workers

On September 26, 2024, the Canadian government implemented significant restrictions on foreign worker hiring. The new rules establish a 10% cap on low-wage foreign worker hires per workplace, with certain in-demand sectors receiving a slightly higher allowance of 20%. This policy change has directly impacted many employers who previously relied on foreign workers to fill critical positions.

Geographic Restrictions Based on Unemployment

Perhaps even more restrictive is the introduction of a refusal-to-process policy for applications in urban areas where unemployment rates reach or exceed 6%. This geographic limitation has effectively closed doors for many potential foreign workers in major Canadian cities experiencing higher unemployment rates.

Increased Wage Thresholds

As of November 8, 2024, Canada raised the wage threshold for the high-wage stream, subjecting more positions to the restrictive new rules. This change has expanded the scope of applications that now face additional scrutiny and potential rejection.

Impact on International Students and Families

The restrictive policies extend beyond traditional temporary foreign workers. International students have faced an even more severe impact, with study permit approvals dropping by over 70% through June 2025. Additionally, the government has:

• Reformed the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP)
• Tightened eligibility requirements for PGWP applications
• Limited work permit eligibility for spouses of international students and temporary foreign workers

Canada’s Long-Term Immigration Strategy

The 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan

These changes align with Canada’s broader immigration strategy outlined in the 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan. The government aims to reduce the country’s temporary resident population to less than 5% of the total population. This represents a significant shift from previous policies that welcomed higher numbers of temporary workers and students.

Expected Continued Decline

Immigration officials have indicated that the number of work permits and extensions will continue to decrease in the coming months as the full impact of these new measures takes effect. This suggests that the challenging environment for foreign workers seeking to enter or remain in Canada will persist.

Navigating Refusals and Rejections

Understanding Grounds for Refusal

With stricter policies in place, many previously straightforward applications are now facing rejection. Common grounds for refusal under the new system include:

• Applications from employers in restricted geographic areas
• Positions that don’t meet updated wage thresholds
• Applications that would exceed the new workplace caps
• Incomplete documentation under tightened requirements

The Importance of Professional Appeal Strategies

Given the complexity of the new rules and the high rate of refusals, professional assistance in preparing appeals has become essential. Immigration appeals require detailed knowledge of:

• Current policy interpretations
• Procedural requirements for different appeal bodies
• Documentation standards for successful appeals
• Timeline management for time-sensitive cases

Options for Affected Workers and Employers

Administrative Reviews and Appeals

When work permit applications are refused, applicants may have several options depending on their specific circumstances:

• Requesting administrative reviews for procedural errors
• Filing appeals with appropriate immigration tribunals
• Reapplying with strengthened documentation
• Exploring alternative immigration pathways

Alternative Immigration Streams

Professional immigration advisors can help identify alternative pathways that may be less affected by the current restrictions:

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
• Quebec immigration programs
• Federal skilled worker programs
• Entrepreneur and investor categories

Preparing Stronger Applications

Documentation Requirements

Under the new restrictive environment, application quality has become more critical than ever. Successful applications typically require:

• Comprehensive employer documentation
• Detailed job descriptions that clearly justify the need for foreign workers
• Evidence of recruitment efforts for Canadian workers
• Proper wage calculations and supporting documentation

Strategic Timing

Professional immigration advisors can help with strategic timing of applications, including:

• Understanding seasonal fluctuations in approval rates
• Timing applications around policy changes
• Coordinating multiple applications for families

How Canadian Currents Can Help

Canadian Currents Immigration Services brings together a team of experienced immigration lawyers, consultants, and paralegals with decades of combined experience in immigration law. In this challenging environment, our expertise becomes invaluable for:

Appeal Preparation and Representation: Our legal team has extensive experience in preparing and presenting immigration appeals, understanding the nuances of different appeal bodies and what documentation is required for success.

Strategic Case Assessment: We analyze each refusal carefully to determine the strongest grounds for appeal and the most effective approach, whether through administrative review, formal appeal, or reapplication with enhanced documentation.

Policy Navigation: With immigration rules changing rapidly, our team stays current on all policy updates and their practical implications, ensuring your appeal addresses the most current requirements and interpretations.

Comprehensive Documentation Support: We help gather and present the strongest possible evidence for your appeal, working with you to address the specific reasons for refusal while building a compelling case for approval.

Timeline Management: Immigration appeals have strict deadlines, and our experienced team ensures all procedural requirements are met on time while building the strongest possible case for your situation.

Alternative Pathway Exploration: When appeals may not be the best option, we help identify and pursue alternative immigration streams that may be more suitable for your specific circumstances.

In today’s restrictive immigration environment, having experienced professional representation can make the difference between a successful appeal and a missed opportunity. Canadian Currents Immigration Services combines legal expertise with practical experience to help navigate these challenging times and achieve positive outcomes for our clients.